Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Captain John Slatter was a Bandmaster

Thanks to Stan Milne of the Regimental Museum of the 48th Highlanders of Canada, I found out that Captain Slatter (the gentleman in the kilt in last Wednesday's post) had a long and distinguished career in the military. He served with the 48th Highlanders from 1896 through 1946 and was appointed bandmaster in 1916. He was officer-in-charge of training bands and buglers during WWI!

Among his medals are a Member of the British Empire and the Colonial Auxiliary Forces Long Service Medal (for serving 20 yrs).

Next step: Ordering his records from the Library & Archives Canada. Finally, I hope to learn who John Slatter's parents were--the parents of hubby's grandmother. This will be a big breakthrough!

PS This just in!

I just found Captain John Slatter in the Canadian Encyclopedia of Music--he was a well-known military band master and his brother, Henry Arthur Slatter, is mentioned as well.

He was instrumental (pun intended) in establishing the Canadian Band Assn.

Capt. Slatter toured the 48th Highlanders band through North America and played at the St. Louis World's Fair in 1934. In 1935 photo above, Capt. Slatter is at center of front row.

And he and the band toured all over the world, including at the Pan-American Exposition at Buffalo, NY in 1901. Below, Capt. Slatter (center, front) and the brass band from the 48th, which toured around the world.

It's Catherine. I'm checking your blog out. It's really neat, I've never checked one out before. lol The photo you mention of the Captain at the Pan-America Exposition in Buffalo isn't there. There's an X which you see when photos don't work for whatever reason. Can you put it back on so I can see it and I'd like to print it for my Dad. Thanks

About Me

Who writes college marketing textbooks? Even in the digital age, somebody has to do it. Back in my corporate days, I was a bank marketing exec and retail manager. Education: MBA from LIU; BA from CCNY. Hobby: Genealogy!